A Sacred Avocation: How to Care for Cemetery Monuments - Presenter: Alan Olson
Tue, Nov 04
|Mindekirken
Alan Olson is an engineer who has spent countless hours in cemeteries, searching for the resting place of his ancestors. His commitment to maintain and preserve gravesites began decades ago at Fort Snelling National Cemetery when he was hired to mow between the rows of white grave stones.
Time & Location
Nov 04, 2025, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Mindekirken, 924 E 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA
About the event
In Norway, All Souls’ Day (Allehelgensdag) is observed on the first Sunday of November. It is a time to commemorate deceased ancestors. Traditions include visiting cemeteries to place candles and wreaths on graves. Alan Olson is an engineer who has spent countless hours in cemeteries, searching for the resting place of his ancestors. His commitment to maintain and preserve gravesites began decades ago at Fort Snelling National Cemetery when he was hired to mow between the rows of white grave stones. Locating and restoring graves is dirty and laborious work. It is also sacred work. To locate and maintain cemetery monuments, Alan must combine the skills of an Archaeologist, Construction Worker, Genealogist, Historian, Mason, Navigator, Photographer, Preservationist, and Researcher.
Presented by Tuesday Open House with LEIFmn
10:30 a.m. Doors open
11-11:30 a.m. Lunch is available
11:45 a.m. Welcome and Announcements
12-1:00 p.m. Program presentation
$15 donation per person upon entry includes lunch and program